Cape Town

Boat Tours & River Cruises

Our most recommended Cape Town Cruises & Boat Tours

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  1. Cape Town: Waterfront and Sunset Champagne Cruise

  Cape Town has one of the best locations for watching the sun go down from the water. With the Atlantic Ocean stretching away from the majestic Table Mountain range, this is certainly a "must-do" cruise for locals and tourists alike. You'll also get a unique view of the coast of Cape Town from the sea while relaxing and sipping on local sparkling wine! The sailboats Esperance and Serenity One follow the wind for this cruise, and therefore the destination is dependent on the weather at the time of the cruise. Your captain will let you know before departure your expected direction, but typical Cape Town summer wind blows from the southeast. First, you'll leave the harbor and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, returning to the protection of the Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sun set, and then motor back to the waterfront. In the winter months, with t...

  Beautiful experience and service was awesome, oooh the choice of music made it an experience not to forget

  Reviewed by Nolufefe, 20/06/2021
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  2. Hout Bay: Seal Snorkeling Experience

  Let an experienced crew take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure - come face-to-face with the ocean's friendliest animal, the cape fur seal. Meet at the local partner's office. Once all the preparations are complete and you are fully briefed in a short training session, your trip will begin. After a scenic boat ride to Duiker Island, a breeding colony for the cape fur seal, you'll have the opportunity to explore underwater life for yourself! Spend approximately one hour in the shallow and clear water, observing and interacting with these amazing animals on their own terms. On the way back, enjoy hot drinks and snacks on board while you share your awesome memories made while snorkeling with these fantastic animals!

  Great service and friendly, safe atmosphere! Would have wished for some more information on seal life and behaviour.

  Reviewed by Tino, Germany, 16/08/2021
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  3. Cape Town Waterfront and Bay: Sailing Trip

  Depending on the wind, the trip is either a sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse and back to the Waterfront in a southeast wind (summer wind) or heading North East towards to Robben Island in a northwestern wind (winter wind). The skippers pick the most comfortable course, normally a beam reach. And if you don’t know what a beam reach is, the cheerful crew members are happy to help you learn about sailing. When it is not possible to sail comfortably and safely in the direction we need to proceed then we will use the Engine. Variation to cruise (due to weather) For all the vessels, when the seas are running too high or the wind is unpleasantly strong, instead of heading into Table Bay the destination is the Cape Town Harbor for a harbor day cruise or a harbor lights cruise. This safety feature is a perfect alternative, offering magical views of the harbor, Cape Town and ...

  The hole expirence was amazing, the team was very welcoming and friendly with all of us, I would recommend the Serinaty cruise to every1 that would like to expirence the water cruise. My kids loved the expirence we will definitely come back again soon.

  Reviewed by Vuyokazi, 27/04/2021
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  4. Cape Town: Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner

  Cape Town has one of the best locations for watching the sun go down from the water. With the Atlantic Ocean stretching away from the majestic Table Mountain range, this is certainly a must-do cruise for locals and tourists alike. You'll also get a unique view of the coast of Cape Town from the sea while relaxing and sipping on local sparkling wine. The sailboats Esperance and Serenity One follow the wind for this cruise, and therefore the destination is dependent on the weather at the time of the cruise. Your captain will let you know before departure your expected direction, but typical Cape Town summer wind blows from the southeast. First, you'll leave the harbor and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton Lighthouse, returning to the protection of the Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sunset, and then motor back to the waterfront. This package is a combo offerin...

  These guys are amazing & offer nothing but the best cruise session. Even after the cruise the restaurant you chose for your meal is cozy plus no lots of questions just your name & ready to be mouthful. Bravo!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, South Africa, 07/09/2021
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  5. V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise

  Departing from the jetty outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, the Waterfront Harbour Cruise puts Cape Town’s bustling harbour in the spotlight. Expect to see key attractions including icons of maritime history as well as epic views of the city’s natural landscape. Highlights include the SAS Somerset, the only remaining boom defence vessel in the world, and the southern hemisphere’s largest synchro-lift and only drawbridge, the Bascule Bridge. The cruise also includes views of Table Mountain, the Nelson Mandela Gateway, Chavonnes Battery Museum and the well-known Clock Tower. Of course, experiencing the bustling waterways of Cape Town from a boat is a highlight itself, and this cruise offers a perspective of the city that no other tour can offer.

  Staff was friendly and accommodating. Interesting and insightful. Learnt so much about the V&A Waterfront.

  Reviewed by Lee-Anne, South Africa, 20/08/2021
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  6. Gansbaai: Shark Cage Diving Experience

  South Africa has privileged access to great white sharks … if you know where to go and when. Enjoy great white sharks face-to-face. Observing and diving with these creatures under the correct conditions and guidance is a wonderful experience. Even ‘anti-shark’ people return from an expedition or diving trip with love, and certainly respect, for the great white. This tour is without doubt the most successful white shark diving tour in the world: Working in the unique marine area off the southern Cape coast, the skippers log more contact with great white sharks than anyone else worldwide. Tour itinerary: · Breakfast at the stunning Lodge The continental breakfast consists of freshly made muffins, quiches, yogurt, cereals, toast and cold meats, tea and coffee. · Your day at sea and a lecture on board The ski...

  The introduction talk from the Marine Biologist was very interesting around people’s perception of sharks. Although I did not get to see a Great White the Coppertone and Whaler sharks were extraordinary. I also got the added bonus of extra time in the water, I think I had nearly an hour . I recommended this activity to another couple who we met last night in the same hotel and they booked for Sunday 21st April. Thanks for a great day!!

  Reviewed by Gary, 20/04/2019
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  7. Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour

  Visit the Dyer Island eco-system and have the opportunity to spot the Marine Big 5: whales, sharks, seals, dolphins and penguins. Every year from June to December, the southern right whales arrive to mate and calve. Witness mating displays, breaching, tail slapping, spy-hopping and more. You may also see Bryde’s whales, humpback whales, the elusive humpback dolphin and the common dolphin. An incredible array of seabirds and a sighting of the almost 60,000-strong Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock is guaranteed as the boat cruises down the famous Shark Alley. An on-board marine biologist will be on hand to teach you more about the amazing animals that visit these shores. On the day of your trip, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cape Town or Hermanus, if you have selected an option with transfers included. Upon arrival in Gansbaai, enjoy coffee/tea and muffins while listening to...

  Der Empfang und die Betreuung in Gansbaai waren großartig. Vor der Bootstour gab es einen kurzen Einführungsfilm. Auf der Tour selbst haben wir u.a. Pinguine, Haie und Robben gesehen. Auch der Shuttle von/nach Kapstadt funktionierte einwandfrei und man konnte die Landschaft genießen.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 24/12/2019
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  8. Cape Town: Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

  This tour offers you the opportunity to explore the views of Hout Bay from the shore - making memories that you will never forget. You will learn about Hout Bay's heritage, experience one of Cape Town's most iconic shorelines, and view marine life - like the Cape Fur Seal. The tour is two hours in duration and offers you an advenaline rush like no other. These tours are suitable for both beginners as well as advanced kayakers. The minimum age to participate in this activity is 7 years old - and all children will need to be accompanied by an adult. All trips are weather dependent - if bad weather is forecast the supplier will not be able to go out as client safety is the highest priority. It is important that you provide your contact number and email address as the supplier will need to reach you on these details should they need to reschedule your booking. The dress code is normal beac...

  The Kayaking is very fun to do with friends or family and a great way to spend some time seeing the views from the bay and if you are lucky seeing dolphins up close.

  Reviewed by Cole, South Africa, 24/09/2021
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  9. Gansbaai Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving

  If the transfer option is selected, your adventure will start pickup from your hotel in Cape Town. Take a 2.5-hour drive along a scenic route to get to your destination - the Great White House. Once there, enjoy a breakfast or lunch before a safety briefing about what to expect. Then, stroll to the harbor to board a dedicated shark-diving vessel. Journey to Dyer Island in 20 minutes and drop anchor where the sharks reside. Your boat will have all the amenities, along with drinks and snacks for your comfort. Collect your waterproof bag containing your dive kit and then get up close to these magnificent animals in their natural environment, protected of course by a cage. You'll be completely safe, but your adrenaline will be pumping like crazy! This is sure to be an experience you will never forget. Travel through shark alley if conditions permit before returning to land for a debriefing...

  Very well organised with knowledgeable and helpful staff. Definitely worth the journey from Cape Town. Attended the day with my 2 grownup children who also rated the day/experience as one to remember and also thoroughly enjoyed the day. Would highly recommend!

  Reviewed by Gina, 22/01/2020
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  10. Hout Bay: Seal Island and Marine Life Guided Boat Tour

  Set off from Hout Bay and pass Sentinal Mountain on your way toward Duiker Island. Once there, stop to admire the over 4,000 fur seals that live on Duiker Island, and learn about them and their history with your guide. Next, head toward the scenic and photographic area of De Jossie, underneath Chapman's Peak. Cruise alongside Chapman's Peak as your guide informs you about the granite and cave. To conclude your tour, get ready to hold on tight and feel your adrenaline pumping. Experience a speed run on your boat and spin through 360-degree turns on your way back to the harbor.

  James was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable. He paid special attention to both my 2 young girls for whom it was their first boat trip. Thank you James for looking after them so well!

  Reviewed by Alta, 18/01/2020